Punctuation

Master commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes

Punctuation (SAT)

Commas

Use commas for:

1. Lists (3+ items): "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

2. Independent clauses with FANBOYS: "I studied hard, and I passed the test." (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)

3. Introductory elements: "After the game**,** we went home."

4. Non-essential information: "My friend**,** who lives in Boston**,** is visiting."

DON'T use commas:

❌ Between subject and verb (unless non-essential info) ❌ Before "that" in most cases

Semicolons (;)

Use semicolons to:

1. Join independent clauses (complete sentences): "I love reading**;** my sister prefers sports."

2. Separate complex list items: "We visited Portland, Maine**;** Austin, Texas**;** and Seattle, Washington."

Colons (:)

Use colons to introduce:

  • Lists: "Bring three things**:** pencil, paper, calculator."
  • Explanations: "She had one goal**:** to win."

Rule: Must have a complete sentence before the colon!

Dashes (—)

Use dashes for:

  • Emphasis: "She bought the car**—a red convertible—**yesterday."
  • Dramatic pause or interruption

Note: Can often replace commas or parentheses

📚 Practice Problems

1Problem 1easy

❓ Question:

Which is correct?

A) I like dogs, cats and birds. B) I like dogs, cats, and birds.

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

With 3 or more items, use commas to separate all items.

The comma before "and" is called the Oxford comma (SAT accepts it).

Answer: B - I like dogs, cats, and birds.

SAT Tip: In lists of 3+, use commas between all items!

2Problem 2medium

❓ Question:

Which is correct?

A) The movie was long, it lasted three hours. B) The movie was long; it lasted three hours.

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

Two independent clauses (complete sentences):

  • "The movie was long"
  • "It lasted three hours"

Cannot use comma alone → comma splice error!

Options:

  • Semicolon: "long**;** it lasted"
  • Period: "long**.** It lasted"
  • Comma + conjunction: "long**, and** it lasted"

Answer: B - The movie was long; it lasted three hours.

SAT Tip: Comma alone can't join two complete sentences!

3Problem 3hard

❓ Question:

Which is correct?

A) She had one goal: to become a doctor. B) She had: one goal, to become a doctor.

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

Colons introduce lists or explanations, but must follow a complete sentence.

A: "She had one goal" is complete → ✓ B: "She had" is incomplete → ✗

Answer: A - She had one goal: to become a doctor.

SAT Tip: Complete sentence before colon; fragment is okay after!

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